Vitality Health Center

Dr. Jason Burk, a highly qualified healthcare professional, who currently resides in south-central Kansas with his two children. His extensive journey in the field of healthcare began after high school when he attended Coffeyville Community College, graduating in 1997 with a Mobile Intensive Care Technician (Paramedic) certificate. While working part-time for Butler County EMS, Dr. Burk pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001. Building on his foundation, he gained critical care experience at Wesley Medical Center in the emergency department and surgical ICU. In 2006, Dr. Burk graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia. He swiftly applied his skills at a rural hospital, providing anesthesia and analgesia care. His commitment to professional development led him to complete his Family Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate from Maryville University in St. Louis in 2016. In 2021, Dr. Burk obtained his Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Washburn University, adding a third certification to his impressive repertoire. This additional qualification showcases his dedication to addressing mental health needs in the community. In May 2019, he achieved a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Creighton. His doctoral project focused on ketamine infusions and treatment-resistant depression, showcasing his dedication to advancing healthcare practices. Dr. Burk is triple certified as a nurse anesthetist, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. His certifications include the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) for nurse anesthesia, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board for his family nurse practitioner, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center for his psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Active in various professional organizations, Dr. Burk is a member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists. He serves as a committee chair for the Kansas Board of Advanced Practice Nurses, contributing to advancing nursing practices in the state. Dr. Burk’s diverse expertise and commitment to continuous learning make him a valuable asset to the healthcare community.

Sonia’s dedication to mental health advocacy is deeply personal, as she has experienced the devastating impact of depression in her own family. Her brother’s battle with depression, which tragically ended in suicide in 2015, serves as a driving force behind her commitment to raising awareness and preventing such devastating outcomes. Since her brother’s passing, Sonia has actively engaged in suicide prevention initiatives, becoming an integral part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and a member of the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Her passion extends to her professional pursuits, particularly in bringing ketamine infusion treatments to the Wichita area for psychiatric conditions. This initiative stems from the heartfelt wish that such services had been available to her brother, potentially providing relief and support for his condition. Sonia’s educational journey reflects her multifaceted approach to healthcare. After graduating with an Associates Degree in Nursing in 1996, she worked in a small rural hospital while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. Her journey continued as she obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2000 from the University of Kansas. After four years as a primary care nurse practitioner, Sonia transitioned to anesthesia, earning her Masters Degree in Nurse Anesthesia in 2006 and a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice in 2017, both from Texas Wesleyan University. In 2020, Sonia added another dimension to her expertise by obtaining a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Washburn University. Her commitment to holistic patient care is further emphasized by her graduation from the University of South Florida’s Nonsurgical Pain Management Program in 2023. Sonia’s triple board certification underscores the breadth of her skills. She is certified in nurse anesthesia, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Her certifications are held by respected institutions such as the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) for nurse anesthesia, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANP) for family nurse practitioner, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Additionally, her Nonsurgical Pain Management certification is through the NBCRNA. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Sonia actively contributes to professional organizations such as the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners, the Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association. She is also a member of the American Medical Extended Reality Association, showcasing her commitment to advancing healthcare technologies. Sonia’s dedication to progressive therapeutic approaches is evident in her training. She is trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychedelic Therapy through Polaris Insight Center (https://www.polarisinsight.com/). Sonia has completed the first 4 of 5 phases of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy training with Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MA PS). 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is still in the clinical trial phase with hope of FDA approval very soon. Check out MAPS website for the latest information. https://maps.org Sonie is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) through The Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery. She is a member of International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Sonia has completed the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses waiver training for administering buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. With her extensive background as a registered nurse, certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, and certified registered nurse anesthetist, Sonia possesses a unique skill set to evaluate, recommend, administer, and monitor ketamine treatments safely and effectively. Her multifaceted expertise positions her as a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for those seeking mental health support.

Karen joined our team in 2021. She joins the team with a passion for psychiatric care and has loved every minute of being a part of the VHC Team. Karen graduated from Eureka Jr/Sr High School in 2001 & furthered her education by attending Kansas City Kansas Community College, Wichita Area Technical College, Wright Career College & most recently, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Southwestern College. She has worked as a surgical tech at Wesley Medical Center and gained further medical experience working for an independent anesthesia group for nearly 8 years. She began her nursing career at the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, working as a staff RN and discovering her passion for helping others achieve and maintain their mental health wellness. Following her time at MHA, she was a proud school nurse working for USD 490 in El Dorado, Kansas, before joining VHC. Karen and her family reside in Butler County, and when not attending her kids’ athletic events, she enjoys going to the lake, playing tennis, and watching the Kansas City Royals.